EP2906450B1 - Sealed device for a camera - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device with a carrier element, on which a camera unit, which is used for image acquisition of the exterior of a motor vehicle, is arranged, according to the preamble of claim 1. This device has at least one drive mechanism for the camera, which serves to the camera unit between a rest position and an image capture position to move back and forth, wherein the drive mechanism is arranged on the support member to hold the camera unit movable. Furthermore, the carrier element has a front-side opening, through which images can be detected at least in the image capture position for the camera unit. Furthermore, at least one front-side gap is provided between the front-side opening in the carrier element and the camera unit in order to be able to transfer the camera unit into the image-capturing position. Through this gap, the camera unit can protrude from the front opening or at least make the image capture. The front gap is closable by a sealing member, the sealing member sealing the front gap between the total reciprocating motion of the camera unit between the rest position and the image sensing position. Furthermore, the invention is also directed to a method for actuating a device with a carrier element, on which a camera unit, which serves for image acquisition of the exterior of a motor vehicle, is disposed, suitable, according to the preamble of claim 15.

Devices for panning camera units are well known in the art. From the publication EP 1 529 688 B1 goes further such a device for pivoting a camera unit, in which both a rest position and an image acquisition position of the camera unit is sealed, so as to avoid that dirt can pass through a front opening through which the camera unit performs the image capture. However, it has been found that even with an intermediate position of the camera unit between the rest position and the image acquisition position still dirt can get inside the device because z. B. the camera unit is also pivoted in the reverse drive between the rest position and the image acquisition position back and forth.

Moreover, it is known from the prior art to seal the rear portion of the camera unit, so that no moisture can get back to the camera unit. In the publication WO 2011/085745 A1 Such a device for adjusting a camera unit is known in which the rear area is sealed accordingly. Furthermore, the document shows DE 10 2009 008 281 A1 a device with a camera unit for image acquisition of the exterior of a motor vehicle, wherein the camera unit is housed protected in its rest position behind a cover element in the device.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device and an actuating method for such a device, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention, as far as possible to avoid soiling, which can penetrate from the front into the device.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of independent claim 1, in particular from the characterizing part. Also, to solve the problem, a method for actuating a device with a support element on which a camera unit is arranged, with the features of claim 15, in particular from the characterizing part proposed. In the dependent device and method claims preferred developments of Invention listed. Features which are disclosed for the device according to the invention also apply to the actuation method according to the invention and vice versa. In addition, the inventive method can be realized from claim 15 with the device according to the invention for a camera unit.

The device according to the invention has a camera unit, which is arranged on a carrier element directly or indirectly via a carriage, in particular with an adapter. The camera unit can be moved back and forth within the device via a drive mechanism between the rest position and the image capture position. Conveniently, the drive mechanism is arranged directly or indirectly on the support element. The carrier element has a front-side opening, by means of which images can be detected for the camera unit at least in the image capture position. In the image capturing position, at least one front-side gap is provided between the front-side opening in the carrier element and the camera unit, since otherwise the camera unit can not perform image capturing. It is not absolutely necessary that the camera unit is placed with its lens in the front opening when the image detection position is reached. Rather, the camera unit can come to a little behind the front opening to stop and take the pictures you want. According to the invention, it is provided that the front-side gap can be closed by a sealing element. In this case, the intended sealing element can seal the front-side gap between the entire reciprocating movement of the camera unit between the rest position and the image-capturing position. Thus, it is not possible that contaminants can penetrate into the rear space of the support element or the device according to the invention. Thus, the entire drive mechanism, which is usually arranged behind the front opening on the carrier element, can be completely protected.

To arrange the camera unit interchangeable in the device according to the invention, this can be arranged on a carriage which has an adapter, so as to allow easy replacement. The adapter can for this purpose have a bayonet, clamp or screw cap. Usually, the camera unit is arranged on the carriage via a force and / or positive connection by means of the adapter. The carriage is in turn with the drive mechanism connected to move the entire camera unit back and forth. Of course, it is also conceivable within the scope of the invention for the drive mechanism to interact directly with the camera unit. In this case, then is dispensed with the carriage with the optional adapter provided.

As is further apparent from the dependent subclaims, the sealing element according to the invention can be designed in various ways. Thus, in the case of a sealing element, a closed membrane can be provided. A different kind of sealing element has a bristle-like construction and has sealing bristles which are arranged in the front-side gap between the carrier element and the camera unit. In a further sealing element, a rubber-like sheath is used, which is clamped by a spring element in the front-side gap between the carrier element and the camera unit.

On the optional developments of the device according to the invention will be discussed in more detail in the following text.

In the device according to the invention it can be provided that the sealing element is fastened on the one hand to the carrier element and on the other hand to the camera unit. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sealing element is fastened on the carrier element in the region of the front-side gap and on the camera unit in the front region. Due to the attachment of the sealing element on both sides, it is achieved that the front-side gap is closed by the sealing element all the time, in each position of the camera unit between the rest position and the image-capturing position. This ensures that under no circumstances can contamination from the outside pass through the front opening into the device.

In order to be able to assemble the sealing element in a particularly simple manner and replace it if necessary, provision can be made for a fastening flange for the sealing element to be provided on the carrier element and / or on the camera unit. Here, the mounting flange can be designed as a partially planar surface. It is also conceivable that the mounting flange is provided as a groove and / or bulge, so that virtually a labyrinth seal is formed in the region of the mounting flange.

Appropriately, it can be provided in the device according to the invention, that the sealing element can be fastened via holding means on the carrier element and / or on the camera. These holding means can also be configured in one piece to the sealing element. However, it is also conceivable that the holding means constitute a separate component to the sealing element. It is also possible for at least one fastening flange to serve on the camera unit and / or the carrier element for fastening by the holding means. The holding means themselves can also be formed by the sealing element, if this z. B. is designed to be elastic and thus can generate a biasing force itself, the z. B. cooperates with a mounting flange on the camera unit and / or the support element.

In the case of the invention, it may optionally be provided that the holding means on the carrier element has a support element, in particular in the form of a support frame. In this case, the sealing element between the support member and the support frame may be clamped. As already mentioned, it is likewise conceivable for the support frame to be arranged, for example, on the carrier element or on the sealing element, in order thus to be able to produce a reliable connection between the carrier element and the sealing element. The support member may also be configured as a separate component, which z. B. can be brought via a screw or jamming or welding with the support element and / or the sealing element in connection. Advantageously, the shape is adapted in a support frame as a support element to the geometric configuration of the front opening of the support element. In this case, however, the support frame does not have to cooperate continuously with the carrier element, but it can also only partially or selectively press the sealing element to the carrier element.

Furthermore, it is possible according to the invention in the device that the holding means on the camera unit as a clamping element, in particular as a clamping ring or tension wire, is configured. Just this clamping element can also be an integral part of the sealing element. The clamping element itself may comprise elastic material, such as. As rubber, silicone, or spring wire.

It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention for the sealing element to be fastened directly or indirectly to the carrier element or to the camera unit via the holding means. In this case, the sealing element can even be bonded or fastened to the carrier element and / or the camera unit in a non-positive and / or non-positive manner. In a particular embodiment of the device according to the invention, the sealing element is integrally connected to both the carrier element and the camera unit. For this purpose, the sealing element may have a protective membrane.

Consequently, it is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that the sealing element has a protective membrane, which in particular is highly flexible and in particular may have a preformed basic shape. The protective membrane makes it possible for the sealing element to be connected directly or indirectly to the carrier element as well as directly or indirectly to the camera unit. The movements of the camera unit between its rest position and the image acquisition position are absorbed by the deformability of the protective membrane. Expediently, the protective membrane has a thin layer, in particular of plastic, silicone or rubber, in order to be able to reliably shield dirt from the outside of the device according to the invention. The material of the protective membrane can also be configured semipermeable and z. B. fabric or fabric-like structure. So z. B. a breathable but water-impermeable fabric layer are used as a protective membrane. The sealing element itself is at least partially or completely constructed from the protective membrane.

In the device according to the invention, it is also conceivable that the sealing element, in particular in the form of the protective membrane, has at least one expansion means. By this expansion means can be achieved that in a non-stretchable sealing element, a movement is still possible. However, the expansion element itself can also consist of a stretchable and elastic material. In a movable, but not necessarily elastically designed sealing element, the expansion means can, for example, be realized by folding or overlapping. Of course, these folds or overlaps may also be present in an elastic expansion element. Thus, it can also be avoided that the Camera unit must move between the rest position and the image acquisition position against the tensile forces of the sealing element in an elastic deformation.

It is also conceivable within the scope of the device according to the invention that the sealing element is designed like a bristle. Here, the individual bristles may be arranged so close to each other that they completely close the front gap. For this purpose, it is advantageous if a plurality of bristles are arranged next to one another and thus form a certain sealing width for the sealing means. The advantage of the bristle-like sealing element is the fact that the sealing element only needs to be fastened on one side to either the camera unit or the carrier element. Of course, this bristle-like sealing element directly or indirectly z. B. on holding means on the support element and / or the camera unit are attached.

In a particularly elegant development of the device according to the invention, it can be provided that the carrier element has a movement channel for the camera unit in which the camera unit is received. Here, the camera unit between the rest position and the image acquisition position is arranged at a substantially constant distance to an inner side of the movement channel. In this movement channel, therefore, the camera unit is performed virtually parallel to the inner sides of the movement channel. Conveniently, the bristle-like sealing element can be arranged in this movement channel, which completely seals the front gap to the front opening. The movement channel ideally ends with the front opening or forms exactly this front opening. Through the use of the movement channel can be achieved that the bristles of the bristle-like sealing element quasi not be compressed, since just a constant distance between the camera unit and the movement channel is present.

In the context of the invention, it is also conceivable that the bristle-like sealing element is attached to the camera unit and the individual bristles interact with their free ends with the support element or the inner sides of the movement channel. Thus, an easy replacement of the bristle-like sealing element is possible, namely, can be made directly when the camera unit from the rest Device is removed. In this case, even the bristle-like sealing member can be easily replaced or cleaned. However, it is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that the bristle-like sealing element is fixedly arranged on the carrier element or an inner side of the movement channel and cooperates with the free ends with the camera unit. Consequently, this is a kinematic reversal of the previously described arrangement of the bristle-like sealing element. Ideally, in the second arrangement of the bristle-like sealing element on the support element or the inside of the movement channel, this is arranged in the region of the front opening, so that a simple exchange is also possible.

It is also possible in the device according to the invention that the sealing element is constructed like a bellows. In this case, at least one spring element can be arranged in the bellows-like sealing element such that the bellows-like sealing element is resiliently clamped in the front gap and seals it. Thus, virtually the bellows-like sealing element is slipped over the spring element and seals the front gap. The bellows-like sealing element can also be arranged or fastened directly or indirectly via holding means on the camera unit or the carrier element.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the bellows-like sealing element is arranged on the carrier element and the spring elements press the bellows-like sealing element, in particular in a rubber-like sheath, against the camera unit. Also, a kinematic reversal of the attachment of the bellows-like sealing element is conceivable, since this can also be attached directly or indirectly to the camera unit and interacts directly or indirectly with the carrier element. Also in this embodiment of the invention, the already mentioned movement channel can be provided for the camera unit.

In order to protect the device in its rest position additionally against the ingress of contaminants, it may be provided that a cover element is arranged in front of the front opening of the support member, which closes the front opening at least in the rest position of the camera unit. This Cover element may be attached via a rotary or a pivot joint with the device, in particular the carrier element. Ideally, the cover element is automatically opened upon adjustment of the camera unit from the rest position to the image capture position. It is also expedient for the cover element to automatically close the front-side opening when the camera unit is transferred from the image-recording position to the rest position. For this purpose, z. B. a transmission means between the camera unit and the cover element may be provided. In addition, a second sealing means, in particular in the form of a sealing ring, can be arranged between the cover element and the further device.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the drive mechanism and / or the aforementioned cover element can be moved back and forth by at least one drive, in particular in the form of an electric motor. This drive can be arranged within the device according to the invention or be provided in a rear region of the device. It is expedient if the drive via the transmission element with the drive mechanism and / or the camera unit and possibly the cover element interacts mechanically.

Furthermore, it is conceivable in the device according to the invention that the carrier element is at least partially designed as a housing or in a housing. In this case, at least one housing opening, in particular as a ventilation opening, can be provided in a rear area of the housing. Also, a further housing opening z. B. be provided as a drainage opening, if in spite of the proposed sealing measures moisture in the device according to the invention, for. B. through the rear area, has penetrated.

As already mentioned, the invention is also directed to the method according to claim 15. It is inventively provided that the camera unit to the front gap permanently sealed between the rest position and the image acquisition position is moved back and forth.

Figur 1a

ein schematischer Längsschnitt durch die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in einer Ruhestellung der Kameraeinheit,

Figur 1b

ein vergleichbarer Querschnitt durch die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in einer Bilderfassungsstellung der Kameraeinheit, wobei wesentliche Merkmale der Vorrichtung ausgeblendet sind,

Figur 2

eine Frontansicht auf die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit der vorderseitigen Öffnung und dem vorderseitigen Spalt zwischen dem Trägerelement und der Kameraeinheit,

Figur 3a

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Dichtungselements, welches als Schutzmembran ausgebildet ist,

Figur 3b

ein Längsschnitt durch das Dichtungselement aus Figur 3a,

Figur 4

ein schematischer Längsschnitt durch eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit einem borstenartigen Dichtungselement,

Figur 5a

ein schematischer Längsschnitt durch eine andere erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit einem federnden Dichtungselement, welches eine gummiartige Umhüllung aufweist und

Figur 5b

ein detaillierter Längsschnitt durch das entsprechende Dichtungselement auf Figur 5a.

According to the invention, the features of the description and the claims and the device according to the invention as well as the method according to the invention both individually be essential to the invention as well as in the most diverse combinations. Further, measures improving the invention will be described in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to FIGS. Show it:

FIG. 1a

a schematic longitudinal section through the device according to the invention in a rest position of the camera unit,

FIG. 1b

a comparable cross-section through the device according to the invention in an image acquisition position of the camera unit, wherein essential features of the device are hidden,

FIG. 2

a front view of the inventive device with the front-side opening and the front-side gap between the support member and the camera unit,

FIG. 3a

a three-dimensional view of a sealing element according to the invention, which is designed as a protective membrane,

FIG. 3b

a longitudinal section through the sealing element FIG. 3a .

FIG. 4

a schematic longitudinal section through a further device according to the invention with a bristle-like sealing element,

FIG. 5a

a schematic longitudinal section through another device according to the invention with a resilient sealing element, which has a rubber-like sheath and

FIG. 5b

a detailed longitudinal section through the corresponding sealing element FIG. 5a ,

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features for different embodiments.

In the FIG. 1a a schematic longitudinal section through the device 10 according to the invention in a rest position 1a of a camera unit 12 is shown. In this rest position 1a, the camera unit 12 is arranged completely behind a front opening 11.1 of a carrier element 11. The support member 11 is configured in the present case as a housing 18 and protects the camera unit 12 as far back against dirt. To avoid pressure changes by a movement of the camera unit 12 within the housing 18, for example, a housing opening 18.1, in particular provided as a ventilation opening. Thus, the camera unit 12 from its illustrated rest position Ia (s. FIG. 1a ) can be transferred to the image acquisition position Ib, a drive mechanism 14 is provided which has two parallel and rotatable mounted lever in the present case. This drive mechanism 14 may be arranged directly on the support member 11 or z. B. directly to a drive, which is not shown. By the rotation of the two parallel levers of the drive mechanism 14, the camera unit 12 is transferred from the rest position Ia along the arcuate guide line 12.2 in the image acquisition position Ib.

The camera unit 12 is itself arranged on a carriage 13 which has an adapter 13.1 for fastening the camera unit 12. By means of this adapter 13.1, different models of camera units 12 can also be used without problems in the device 10 according to the invention. By the adapter 13.1, the camera unit 12 is usually positively and / or non-positively connected to the carriage 13. Like from the FIG. 1a can be clearly seen, the drive mechanism 14 engages the carriage 13 so as to be able to move the camera unit 12 indirectly. The guide line 12.2 of the camera unit is dash-dotted in the FIGS. 1a and 1b shown. On this guide line 12.2, the camera unit 12 moves from its rest position Ia in the image acquisition position Ib and vice versa.

For additional protection of the device 10 according to the invention, a cover element 17 is provided in front of the front opening 11.1 of the support element 11. This cover element 17 is opened or closed via a transmission element, not shown. This transmission element can, for. B. with the camera unit 12 directly or be indirectly connected or with the drive mechanism 14 or a drive. In the image capturing position Ib, the lid element 17 is at least open to the extent that the camera unit 12 can start capturing the image without any restrictions. In the FIG. 1a the lid member 17 is fixed to the support member 11 via a hinge with a fixed axis of rotation.

In order to carry out a sealing of the front opening 11.1 in the device 10 according to the invention, a sealing element 15 is provided. This sealing element 15 has in the FIG. 1a a protective membrane 15.1, which is designed to be flexible and in particular rubber-like. So that the sealing element 15 can be arranged, on the one hand, on the carrier element 11 and, on the other hand, on the camera unit 12, additional holding means 16 are conceivable. In the FIG. 1a is the holding means 16 for attachment to the carrier element 11 as a support element 16.1, in particular support frame 16.1, designed. In this case, the sealing element 15 is fastened with a flange 15.4 between the carrier element 11, in particular a fastening flange 11.3 provided for this purpose and the supporting element 16.1, in particular in the form of a supporting frame, by means of fixing means 16.3 in the form of screws. Furthermore, the sealing element 15 is fastened with its flange 15.5 to the camera unit 12, in particular the fastening flange 12.3 provided for this purpose. Here, a holding means 16 may also be used, which in the FIGS. 1a and 1b is shown as a clamping ring 16.2 or tension wire. In both flanges 15.4 and 15.5 of the sealing element 15, the sealing element 15 between the holding means 16 and the camera unit 12 on the one hand and the support member 11 on the other hand is clamped. The supporting frame-shaped support element 16. 1 for the carrier element 11 can additionally be fastened by means of fixing means 16. 3, in particular in the form of screws, rivets or the like, to the carrier element 11. The clamping ring or tensioning wire 16.2 presses the flange 15.5 from the sealing element 15 against the mounting flange 12.3 of the camera unit 12. This ensures that the front side opening 11.1 of the carrier element 11 is completely sealed in any position of the camera unit 12 by the present sealing element 15.

In the further FIG. 1b a comparable longitudinal section through the device 10 according to the invention in the image acquisition position Ib of the camera unit 12 is shown. in this connection are more technical features, in particular the support member 11 and the drive mechanism 14 deliberately hidden. In this image acquisition position Ib, the camera unit 12 projects at least partially through the front-side opening 11.1 in the carrier element 11. Thus, the camera unit 12 with its objective 12.1 can completely capture the desired images. From the FIG. 1b It also becomes clear how the shape of the sealing element 15 changes between the rest position Ia and the image capturing position Ib. For this purpose, it is sufficient that the sealing element 15 deformable, but not necessarily designed to be elastic. A deliberate folding 15.3 is formed just in the lower region of the sealing element 15, since the fastening flange 12.3 of the camera unit 12 in the image capturing position 1b approaches the fastening flange 11.3 on the carrier element 11 significantly. For this purpose, the sealing member 15 may be specially formed, which is made of the two FIGS. 3a and 3b even closer.

In the FIG. 2 is a front view of the inventive device 10 with the front opening 11.1 and the front gap 11.2 between the support member 11 and the camera unit 12 is shown. Like from the FIG. 2 can be seen further, not necessarily the distance of the front gap 11.2 between the front opening 11.1 from the support member 11 and the camera unit 12 must be configured equal to all sides. Also, the present invention is not limited to a rectangular-shaped configured front opening 11.1. Also, the housing of the camera unit 12 does not necessarily have to be rectangular, but may also be configured round or otherwise. However, it is then advisable to adapt the shape of the sealing element 15 to the geometric configuration of the front opening 11.1 on the one hand and to the geometric configuration of the camera unit 12 on the other hand.

In the Figure 3a and 3b only the sealing element 15 is shown. This sealing element 15 has a protective membrane 15.1, which may be designed in particular rubber-like. In the FIG. 3a is a three-dimensional view of the sealing member 15 is shown, which substantially corresponds to the image acquisition position Ib of the camera unit 12. Are clear in the FIG. 3a to recognize the two flanges 15.4 and 15.5 for the support member 11 and the camera unit 12. This shows that Sealing element 15 only an opening 15.6, whereby the camera unit 12, in particular with its mounting flange 12.3 performed and fixed. The cross-section of the flange 15.5 is substantially rectangular with rounded corners and thus corresponds to the outer periphery of the mounting flange 12.3 of the camera unit 12. This mounting flange 15.5 of the sealing member 15 lies flat on the mounting flange 12.3. In order to securely fix the sealing element 15 to the camera unit 12, a holding element 16, in the form of a clamping ring 16. 2 (see FIG. FIGS. 1a and 1b ), be provided. However, it is also conceivable that the sealing element 15 in the region of the flange 15.5 is elastically extensible so far that the flange 15.5 self-sealingly against the mounting flange 12.3 of the camera unit 12 applies. In the region of the flange 15.4, a peripheral upstand is additionally provided, which serves for receiving and positioning the holding means 16, in particular in the form of a support frame 16.1 for attachment to the carrier element 11. The sealing element 15 has between the two flanges 15.4 and 15.5 expansion means 15.2 and folds 15.3 in order to avoid possible elastic deformation of the sealing element 15 by the movement of the rest position Ia in the image acquisition position Ib. As has already been mentioned, the sealing element 15 can also be configured as fabric or fabric-like, which may also be a semipermeable protective membrane 15.1.

For better clarity is in the FIG. 3b a longitudinal section through the sealing element 15 FIG. 3a shown. In this case, the peripheral upstand for the positioning of the support frame-shaped holding means 16 in the region of flange 15.4 of the sealing element 15 is clearly visible. Also, the upper expansion means 15.2 and the lower fold 15.3 are clearly visible.

In the other Figures 4 and 5a, 5b Further embodiments of the device 10 according to the invention or the corresponding seals are shown. In the FIG. 4 a bristle-like configured sealing element 15.7 is used. In this case, the bristles 15.7 are arranged in the front-side gap 11.2 between the carrier element 11 and the camera unit 12 and thus seal this gap 11.2. Due to the flexibility of the bristles 15.7, the camera unit 12 can be moved back and forth along the (rectilinear) guide line 12.2, the bristles being moved with their free ends on the outside of the bristles 15.7 Slide camera unit 12 along. As a result, a secure seal of the front gap 11.2 is also secured. In the FIG. 4 In the case shown, the bristle-side seal member 15 is attached only to the support member 11. However, it is also conceivable that the bristle-like sealing element 15.7 only on the camera unit 12, in particular the mounting flange 12.3 or the carriage 13 is arranged and the bristles with their free ends with the front gap 11.2 of the support member 11 cooperate.

In the FIGS. 5a and 5b a bellows-like sealing element 15.8 is used to seal the front gap 11.2. A concrete structure of the corresponding seal member 15 is shown in FIG FIG. 5b shown in detail. The advantage with the bellows-like sealing element 15.8 compared to the bristle-like sealing element 15.7 FIG. 4 is that the size of the gap 11.2 (selectively) can change, since the length or height of the bellows-like sealing element 15.8 (also selectively) can change. For this reason, the camera unit 12 can also follow an arcuate guide line 12.2 without causing a leakage in the front-side gap 11.2, since the bellows-like sealing element 15.8 of the respective size of the front gap 11.2 compliant adapts.

As in FIG. 5b can be seen, the bellows-like sealing element 15.8 a particular rubber-like sheath, wherein a longitudinally displaceable spring element 15.9 is disposed within the enclosure. This spring element 15.9 presses the envelope sealingly against the outer surface of the camera unit 12. In the present embodiment FIG. 5b the sealing element 15.8 is attached to the carrier element 11 and slides at its free end on the outside of the camera unit 12 along. Of course, a kinematic reversal is also conceivable here, so that the corresponding sealing element 15.8 is arranged on the camera unit 12, in particular on the mounting flange 12.3, and with its free end with the support member 11, in particular the front gap 11.2, cooperates.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

contraption

11

support element

11.1

front opening

11.2

front gap

11.3

mounting flange

12

camera unit

12.1

lens

12.2

leader

12.3

mounting flange

13

carriage

13.1

Adapter for 12

14

drive mechanism

15

sealing element

15.1

Protective membrane, in particular rubber-like

15.2

expansion means

15.3

folding

15.4

Flange for 11.3

15.5

Flange for 12.3

15.6

Opening for 12

15.7

Bristle-like sealing element, in particular with bristles

15.8

bellows-like sealing element with in particular rubber-like sheath

15.9

spring element

16

holding means

16.1

Support element, in particular support frame

16.2

Clamping ring or tension wire

16.3

Fixing, in particular screw, rivet or the like

17

cover element

18

casing

18.1

Housing opening, in particular ventilation opening

Ia

rest position

ib

Image capture position

Claims (15)

1. Device (10) with a carrier element (11), on which a camera unit (12) is assembled, which serves for the image acquisition of the outer area of a vehicle, and
   with at least a drive mechanism (14) for the camera unit (12), which serves for moving the camera (12) back and forth between a rest position (Ia) and an image acquisition position (Ib),
   wherein the drive mechanism (14) is assembled at the carrier element (11) in order to keep the camera unit (12) movable, and
   wherein the carrier element (11) comprises an opening (11.1) at the front side, through which at least in the image acquisition position (Ib) images are recordable for the camera unit (12) and with at least a gap (11.2) at the front side between the opening (11.1) at the front side in the carrier element (11) and the camera unit (12) in order to transfer the camera unit (12) into the image acquisition position (lb),
   characterized in that
   the gap (11.2) at the front side is closable through a sealing element (15)
   wherein the sealing element (15) seals the gap (11.2) at the front side during the whole back and forth movement of a camera unit (12) between the rest position (Ia) and an image acquisition position (lb).
2. Device (10) according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the sealing element (15) is on the one hand assembled at the carrier element (11) and on the other hand at the camera unit (12) wherein particularly the sealing element (15) is assembled at the carrier element (11) in the area of the gap (11.2) at the front side and at the camera unit (12) in the frontal area.
3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   at the carrier element (11) and/or at the camera unit (12) an assembly flange (11.3, 12.3) for the sealing element (15) is intended, wherein particularly the assembly flange (11.3, 12.3) is configured as a section-wise plane area, as a notch and/or recess.
4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the sealing element (15) can be assembled via resting means (16) at the carrier element (11) and/or at the camera unit (12) wherein particularly the assembly flange (11.3, 12.3) serves for the assembly by the resting means (16).
5. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the resting means (16) comprise a support element (16.1) at the carrier element (11), particularly in form of a support frame and the sealing element (15) is clamped between the carrier element (11) and the support frame (16.1), and/or that the resting means (16) is configured as a clamping element (16.2) at the camera unit (12), particularly as a clamping ring or clamping wire.
6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the sealing element (15) comprises a protection membrane which is highly flexible and comprises a pre-formed basic form, and/or that the sealing element (15), particularly in form of the protection membrane (15.1) comprises at least one extension means (15.2).
7. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the sealing element (15) is configured bristle-like (15.7) and the single bristles completely close the gap (11.2) at the front side.
8. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the carrier element (11) comprises a movement passage for the camera unit (12) in which the camera unit (12) is received and the camera unit (12) comprises a mainly constant distance to the inner wall of the movement passage between the rest position (Ia) and the image acquisition position (lb).
9. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the bristle-like sealing element (15) is assembled at the camera unit (12) and the single bristles interact with their free edges with the inner wall of the movement passage.
10. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the bristle-like sealing element (15) is assembled at the carrier element (11) and with its free edges interacts with the camera unit (12).
11. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the sealing element (15) is configured bellow-like and at least one spring element (15.2) is assembled within the bellow-like sealing element (15) in a way that the bellow-like sealing element (15) is flexibly clamped in the gap (11.2) at the front side and seals the same.
12. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the bellow-like sealing element (15) is assembled with the spring elements (15.9) at the carrier element (11) and the spring elements (15.9) press the bellow-like sealing element (15), particularly a rubber-like cover (15.8), to the camera unit (12).
13. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    in front of the opening (11.1) of the front side of the carrier element (11) a lid element (17) is assembled, which at least in the rest position (Ia) of the camera unit (12) closes the opening (11.1) at the front side.
14. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the carrier element (11) is at least partially configured as a housing or in a housing, wherein particularly in a rear area of the housing a housing opening (18.1) is intended as a ventilation opening.
15. Method for the actuation of a device (10) with a carrier element (11) at which a camera unit (12) is assembled which serves for the image acquisition of the outer area of a vehicle, and with at least one drive mechanism (14) for the camera unit (12) which serves for moving the camera unit (12) back and forth between a rest position (Ia) and an image acquisition position (lb),
    wherein the drive mechanism (14) is assembled at the carrier element (11) in order to keep the camera unit (12) movable, and
    wherein the carrier element (11) comprises an opening (11.1) at the front side with a gap (11.2) at the front side through which at least in the image acquisition position (Ib) images are recordable for the camera unit (12) and
    with at least a gap (11.2) at the front side between the opening (11.1) at the front side in the carrier element (11) and the camera unit (12) in order to transfer the camera unit (12) into the image acquisition position (lb),
    characterized in that
    the camera unit (12) is moved back and forth between the rest position (Ia) and the image acquisition position (lb) permanently sealed to the gap (11.2) at the front side.

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